Biscuits, ice cream, cereals... Processed food risks early death

As part of the study, the results of which were published in the "American Journal of Preventive Medicine," scientists examined surveys on dietary habits and data on causes of death of people aged 30-69 in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, England and the USA.

In their research, scientists linked about 14 percent of premature deaths in the US and UK to the harm caused by these foods, where higher consumption of ultra-processed foods containing sweeteners and high levels of sugar, saturated fat and salt is common.

In countries like Colombia and Brazil, where ultra-processed foods are consumed less, scientists found that these foods are linked to about 4 percent of premature deaths.

Based on this data, scientists stated that approximately 124 thousand premature deaths in the USA in 2018 could be linked to the consumption of overly processed foods, while in the UK this number could be around 18 thousand.

Scientists stated that as a result of the study, it cannot be concluded that overly processed foods directly cause premature death, and emphasized that factors such as a person's exercise level and lifestyle also play an important role.